If you have been following this blog for any length of time, you know that my husband and I have been on one heck of a journey through the fitness world. We started with serious inactivity, terrible eating habits and two babies almost two years ago. We have tried a lot of different things including completely overhauling our diets, quite a few different exercise programs, signing up for our first two 5K races.

Through our journey, the number one thing I hear from people (friends and strangers alike, I’ve been known to chat) is that they Just. Can’t. Seem. To. Get. Motivated.

I can’t work out by myself at home, I can’t stick with it!

I hate the gym.

The {insert fitness program here} costs way too much money.

My work schedule is never the same.

My kids don’t nap, when could I possibly work out?

I’m so out of shape, how could I possibly do those exercises?

Trust me. All of these things and more have come out of my mouth at one point. I get it. It’s hard to get started. Once you’re started, it’s hard to stick with it. It’s so easy to fall off the wagon, but SO hard to get back on. Results aren’t (and won’t ever be) immediate, which can feel disheartening.

So what do we do about it?

Start somewhere. Do something.

Walk around the block in the morning, in the evening, in the afternoon. Push your babes in a stroller around the block. Push them up a hill. Call a friend, ask them to walk with you. Walk to the mailbox, for goodness sake. Do those funny things they always tell you like “take the stairs”. Strap on a pedometer. Walk and walk and walk some more. Add walking to your calendar and keep your own date.

All walked out?

Probably not. But I imagine you’re ready for something more.

Buy an inexpensive exercise DVD that you can do in the privacy of your own home. Check out the selection at your local library. Check your Netflix streaming account or Amazon Instant Video for videos. Borrow from a friend. Try something. Work out in the evening. Get up at 5 before your kids and work out. Start with Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred after having your last child and pretend like your body remembers how to move. Put one foot in front of the other. Don’t weigh yourself, please.

Now that you’re moving. And probably sore.

Let’s figure out your fitness goals. How many days a week do you think you can commit to working out? Commit to them. Schedule them. Call a friend and set a date. Work out. Make it fit in your day. Work out with your 2-year old sitting on your chest bouncing a golf ball off your face. Slap on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and work out in the next room. Seriously, pushing your kids in the stroller for a healthy distance is considered working out. Don’t sell yourself short.

Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to be more toned and fit? Do you want to have more energy for your kids? Do you want to push yourself beyond what you think is impossible? Fitness can do all of these things, there is something for everyone.

Figure it out for yourself. Working out because your adorable skinny neighbor with the cute hair and impeccable fashion sense does is not going to get you through the long term. Why do YOU want to exercise? It must be for you.

Push yourself a little harder.

Sign up for a 5K race in your local area. Sign up for a charity walk. Ask your friends for gym recommendations and tag along with a guest pass. Check out local gyms and see if they have introductory tours or classes. Try a more intense home exercise program (like P90X or Insanity). Try something new! Put yourself out there. Work out with someone just a little bit stronger, a little bit faster and a little bit more experienced than you.

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You only get this one life, friends. 30 is not too old. 70 is not too old. This day should be your prime. Today. I’m in better shape now than I have ever been in my life, with the confidence that comes with (a little bit more) age. It’s a good place, but I have miles and miles and miles to go. There is always more room. This is a never ending and fascinating and inspiring and frustrating journey. I would love for each and every one of you to join me.

Tell us! What is your biggest road block to getting started? If you have found the inspiration and motivation, what did it for you? People ask me all the time and I can never seem to condense it into less than a two-hour diatribe.

Welcome to This Beautiful Frugal Life!

Hi! I'm Melody from Tri-Cities, WA, the mother of two young boys and passionate about getting fit, eating healthy and saving money. I am dedicated to helping you live a fabulous life for less and hope you will join me on this journey!